She paused, looked me in the eyes and said, “You are so brave.” Instantly I could feel tears welling up in my eyes. I didn’t know I needed to hear those words, but they cut straight to my heart and into my fear.
The act of creating something of worth and meaning is terrifying. What if it doesn’t work? What if I put myself out there and no one care? What if I can’t make it as good as it is in my imagination? What if, what if, what if. How quickly our fears can drive us to question whether the risk of creating and letting our desire be known is worth it.
Fear has a way of short-circuiting hope.
At least it does for me.
Stacia and I are both pursuing things that deeply meaningful us — Stacia in her music, and me in this blog and one-on-one work. Day to day it can be a struggle as we start out. Some days it feels like things are working and going well for us, while on others we have to remind ourselves why we are on this journey. The temptation is to quit and do something else. It’s hard to remember why it matters in those moments. However, we have learned that pushing through those tough days often leads to the most rewarding breakthroughs. The journey is not just about immediate success but also about the growth and understanding that come along the way. Whenever we find ourselves questioning our purpose, we take a step back, reflect, and look at the bigger picture—after all, it’s essential to remind ourselves that every step, no matter how challenging, contributes to our overall vision. As we like to say, “be right back article summary” is a reminder to pause, regroup, and refocus on what truly matters.
On a particularly discouraging afternoon after traveling for a few weeks, I ran into my friend Meghan at her work. We spent a few moments catching up. She asked how our endeavors were going. I told her plainly and honestly how they were going and how I was doing. Really, things were going ok on the outside, yet inside I was feeling the difficulty of pressing on when it doesn’t feel like things are moving. I told her, “It’s just so hard to keep going when it would feel so much easier to quit and get a “real job”. Every day I think about it, and every day I have to remind myself why I’m doing this. I have to remind myself that this matters and that what I am doing is going to help others and work out.”
She paused, looked me in the eyes and said, “You are so brave.”
As the tears welled up, she said, “You don’t have a boss to tell you that.” I shook my head, and said “No, I don’t. But I really need someone to tell me that. Thank you.”
With those four simple words, my hope grew and fear dissipated. The short circuit had been mended, at least for a moment. All she did was see me and acknowledge what she saw, and yet it changed me. It was the highlight of my week.
Sometimes all we need is someone to hear us, see us, and affirm the good that they see.
Though I don’t know all of your stories, I know some of them. And I want to tell you that you are braver than you think you are. You have the strength to endure. You have the strength to persist. Don’t give up. Never give up.
What does it mean to be truly brave?
Being brave means acting despite fear, not without it. It’s choosing vulnerability when self-protection feels safer, speaking truth when silence is easier, and continuing to hope when cynicism would hurt less.
How do you recognize your own bravery?
Your bravery shows in small daily choices: getting out of bed during depression, reaching out when lonely, trying again after failure, or setting a boundary when approval matters. These quiet acts of courage often go unrecognized but require tremendous strength.
Why is it hard to feel brave when you’re struggling?
Struggle makes bravery invisible to ourselves because we’re focused on survival, not heroism. When you’re in pain, simply existing feels like baseline effort rather than the courageous act it truly is.
How can bravery help with emotional healing?
Bravery enables healing by allowing you to face painful truths, feel difficult emotions, and try new patterns despite fear of disappointment. Each brave choice builds neural pathways that make the next brave choice slightly easier.
So good. Thanks for sharing your struggles and your process.
And yes, you ARE brave.
Thanks Ryan. As are you.
Wow. Incredible timing. I needed to hear those words today.
I’m so grateful to be the messenger for those words to you, Bonnie! You’re braver than you think you are.
Yes, you are brave, Dan! I have been a follower of your blog for just a few months but am constantly inspired by your posts. As someone with a “real job” wanting to move in the direction you have gone, I am reminded that the grass always seems greener on the other side 🙂 But you are where you’re supposed to be. And you’re great at it!
Thanks so much Jennifer! I’m so grateful to have you reading along and grateful for your encouragement. I can’t wait to hear you journey progress!
PS: This might have been what I was reading before I decided I needed to talk to you 🙂
Yes Dan what you do matters. You are brave. People like you on my Facebook page remind me that you can lead a different life if you choose it. You are a beacon of possibility and hope. Don’t give up. I hope one day I have the courage to quit my ‘real
Job’. Thanks for being honest about the struggles too. Thanks for sticking at it.
I know that you are brave and incredibly talented.
You know the rest.